A case that split the U.S. Supreme Court along ideological lines generated fresh partisan reaction Wednesday.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Pritzker ‘appalled’ by U.S. Supreme Court decision in Janus case; Trump, Rauner cheer
June 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Supreme Court hands Rauner big victory
June 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
CHICAGO — The Supreme Court’s ruling in an Illinois labor case gave Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner a rare victory in his campaign to weaken public-worker unions and something to tout in a tough re-election battle.
Here’s a link to the story in the Southern Illinoisan.
Curtis Smith, a fallen Warrior, remembered
June 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill. – The Rend Lake College Warriors and the community at large have lost a hardwood icon with the passing of Curtis E. Smith of Benton.
Smith lost his battle with colon cancer Sunday, June 24, 2018, at his home surrounded by family. He was 56.
A Class of 2003 inductee to the Rend Lake College Sports Hall of Fame, Smith left a legacy of basketball excellence at RLC. Playing for the Warriors from 1980-82, Smith is one of just the handful of players to make it to the 1,000-Point Club and still holds numerous accolades from his tenure in Waugh Gymnasium.
During his freshman season at RLC, he produced a Land of Lincoln Classic-record 38 points (17-25 FG) vs. Oakton, with nine rebounds, and 27 points (12-18 FG) and 12 rebounds vs. Southeastern Illinois.
Smith’s sophomore season was ranked No. 2 in RLC history at time with 631 points. That season he also was named All-Southern Illinois College Conference and team “MVP” after 21-11 campaign in which he averaged 19.7 ppg for league co-champs. He tallied a career-best 41 points in 90-84 win over Lewis and Clark and helped the squad capture RLC Pepsi Classic and finish runner-up in LLCC.
Career stats – 64 G; 455-980 FG, 46%; 170-225 FT, 76%; 16.9 ppg; 266 rebounds (4.2); 168 assists (2.6).
He turned that passion and skill as a player into a successful coaching career, earning the SIJHSAA Coach of the Year honors in 2015 with Ewing.
“I had the privilege of being a team mate of Curtis at Benton High School. He is without a doubt one of the hardest working and most dedicated athletes I have ever been around. He truly made himself into a great player through his dedication in the gym. I know that he has received many accolades for his basketball playing career and all of those are well deserved, however, his legacy will be in the impact that he had on the lives of so many young men and women that he had the opportunity to coach,” expressed RLC Athletic Director Tim Wills.
“He was a successful coach in terms of wins and losses, but his greatest accomplishment was his positive influence on his players. He was a great role model as a man, a husband and a father. I do not think any parent could ask for anything greater than to have a person like Curtis Smith coach their child. He was a great friend and he will be missed by many.”
Professionally, Smith was a Correctional Officer at Big Muddy Correctional Center.
In lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to the Curtis Smith Memorial Basketball Scholarship Fund at the Rend Lake College Foundation or you may donate online at www.rlc.edu/foundation/give-now.
“From all I’ve learned about Curtis Smith, it’s evident he was an exceptional man who made an incredible impact on others and generously shared his gifts and talents. The Curtis Smith Memorial Basketball Scholarship is such a special way to honor and celebrate Curtis’ legacy as a standout RLC Warrior, coach, mentor and friend to all of those he touched. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Smith family during this most difficult time,” said Rend Lake College Foundation Director Kay Zibby-Damron.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 29th at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whitttington.
Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the Immanuel Baptist Church.
Illinois ranked low on list of state economies
June 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
A new study put Illinois near the bottom in a ranking of state economies. The reasons the state landed 35th include stagnant wages and high taxes.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Zeigler Fire Department receives $26,000 grant
June 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
(ZEIGLER-ILLINOIS) — The City of Zeigler Fire Department has received notification from the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) that the department will receive $26,000 in grant funds from the OSFM’s Small Equipment Grant Program. The grant will provide the fire department with some much needed personal protective equipment used to protect firefighters engaged in their official duties.
“This is great news especially at this time for the City of Zeigler. Our fire personnel are well trained and this grant will ensure that they are well equipped with gear,” said Mayor Dennis Mitchell. “My thanks to Zeigler Fire Department staff for the preparation of this grant. We have a top notch Fire Department which is a credit to the city and its citizens.”
The grant funding is a much needed investment in personnel safety according to Chief Ryan M. Buckingham. The funding will enable the department to stay on target with the current national standards for the proper replacement of personal protective equipment (PPE). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) calls for the replacement of PPE every 10 years or when damage is noted. “I want to thank Fire Marshal Matt Perez and the selection committee for affording us this funding opportunity”, added Chief Buckingham.
Benton police make multiple arrests
June 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment
On June 21, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the 500 block of Madison Street in reference to a battery complaint.
Upon investigating, police arrested Ashley L. Tison, age 31, of Benton for battery.
Tison was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On June 22, 2018 Benton Police arrested Dustin H. Keller, age 33, of Benton for unlawful failure to register as a sex offender.
Keller was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On June 23, 2018 Benton Police arrested Jarrett J. Mintz, age 32, of Benton for an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.
Mintz was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On June 23, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the 500 block of North Main Street in reference to hit and run.
Upon investigating, police located the driver of the vehicle identified as John S. Williams, age 27, of Newark, DE who was arrested for driving on a suspended license. The passenger was also located and identified as Khiara M. Braden, age 40, of Ashland City, TN who was arrested for obstructing justice.
Both Williams and Braden were charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On June 24, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of South Main Street in reference to a report of a stolen vehicle.
Upon investigating, police later arrested James M. Lenzie, age 29, of West Frankfort, for theft of a motor vehicle. Lenzie was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Curtis E. Smith — Benton, IL
June 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Curtis E. Smith, 56, of Benton passed away Sunday night, June 24, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Benton, IL on June 2, 1962, the son of James & Virginia (Fowler) Smith.
He married Linda (Erwin) on May 25, 1985 in Benton.
Curtis was a correctional officer at Big Muddy Correctional Center. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf and spending time with his grandson.
Curtis’s true passion was coaching basketball and he loved teaching the game, but more than that he loved his players. He was inducted into the Rend Lake College Hall of Fame in 2004, and still holds numerous basketball records. He was named the SIJHSAA Coach of the year in 2015.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Linda Smith, of Benton, two daughter, Amber Smith and fiancé Nic Robey, of Destin, FL and Kelsey Drew, and husband Jason, of Benton; one grandson, Axton; parents James and Virginia Smith, of Benton; nephew Cory Smith and wife Haley, of Benton, and their children Bentley and Blakely.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by two brothers, James L. Smith and Ricky E. Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 29th at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whitttington. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Immanuel Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Curtis Smith Memorial Basketball Scholarship Fund at the Rend Lake College Foundation or you may donate online at rlc.edu/foundation/give-now
For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department make multiple arrests
June 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment
MEDIA RELEASE
6-15-18 at 4:50 pm a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrests of Amanda M. Mangrum age 33 of Benton for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing justice. Rickey R. Mangrum age 37 of Benton was also arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear on theft charges.
6-15-18 at 6:20 pm while booking an inmate, court ordered to serve weekend in the Franklin County Jail, Correctional Officers recovered a controlled substance on the inmate. Matthew S. Greathouse age 34 of West Frankfort is charged with possession of a controlled substance and for bringing a controlled substance in a penal institution.
6-16-18 at 12:35 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Blake E. Meracle age 23 of West Frankfort and Bryce E. Meracle age 23 of West Frankfort. Both were charged with domestic battery.
6-16-18 at 9:12 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Hwy. 37 at Il. State Hwy. 154. A 2002 Ford F150 pick-up truck driven by Sherry G. Hilderbrand age 50 of Walling, Tn. Was east bound and sideswiped a camper that was being pulled by a 2012 GMC Sierra, driven by Timothy B. Anderson age 37 of Benton. The GMC and camper were turning from Rt. 37 to proceed west on Rt. 154. There were no injuries and Sherry G. Hilderbrand was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
6-16-18 at 10:27 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Ethan M. Bowers age 21 of Orient for aggravated domestic battery and a 17 year old female, also charge with aggravated domestic battery.
6-17-18 at 6:43 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. Rt. 154 at Gun Creek Trail. A 2015 Chevrolet K-2500 driven by Joseph R. Drinkwine age 30 of Kawkawlin, Mi. was east bound and rear-ended a 2015 Chrysler 300, driven by Jean A. Scroggins age 87 of Waltonville, that was attempting a right turn (south) onto Gun Creek Trail. A passenger in the Chrysler, Carol A. Glisson age 63 of Livington, Il. received unknown injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. Joseph Drinkwine was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.
6-18-18 at 9:40 am Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a home invasion at a residence in Coello. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Joshua J. Key age 29 of Christopher for home invasion and battery.
6-18-18 at 9:22 am Deputies reported to a report of a suspicious person walking through yards in Valier and appearing disoriented. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Darian L. Miller age 23 of Belle Rive for obstructing a peace officer.
6-18-18 at 6:16 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrests of Megan C. Brown age 32 of West Frankfort and Garett R. Blankenship age 35 of West Frankfort. Both were charged with domestic battery.
6-19-18 at 3:13 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Franklin E. Hubbard age 50 of West Frankfort for aggravated battery, domestic battery and unlawful restraint.
6-19-18 at 8:30 pm a traffic stop in Benton resulted in two arrests. Victoria K. Atchison age 23 of Benton was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also wanted for failure to appear on previous drug charges in both Franklin and Williamson Counties. Also arrested was Samuel L. Sweet age 24 of Thompsonville, for driving while license suspended, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and a failure to appear warrant for traffic charges in Williamson County.
WARRANT ARRESTS
6-15-18 Joshua B. Wright age 29 of Bucker. Identity theft
6-15-18 Amanda M. Mangrum age 33 of Benton. Failure to appear for bringing a controlled substance into a penal institution
6-18-18 Dustin R. Stites age 25 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for identity theft
6-19-18 Marranda K. Booten age 27 of Marion. Failure to appear for retail theft
6-19-18 Justin L. Peak age 30 of Marion. Failure to appear on retail theft
6-22-18 Curtis B. Moss age 34 of Norris City. Failure to appear for theft
Governor announces federal approval of plan to protect safety net and rural hospitals
June 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Ensures access to quality health care for 3 million Illinoisans
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced that the federal government has approved the state’s plan to protect safety net and rural hospitals while ensuring continued federal support for quality healthcare to more than three million Illinoisans.
“This is a critical step in the making sure our safety net and rural hospitals can keep their doors open in underserved communities,” Rauner said. “Our teams worked hard to build a more equitable model while making sure hospitals can offer more urgent and outpatient care in their communities.”
The plan was created with Senate Bill 1773, bipartisan legislation that Rauner signed in March. It ensures the state will continue to receive federal matching funds to offer services for Medicaid beneficiaries through the Hospital Assessment Program, which brings in $3.5 billion annually. The new program takes effect July 1.
A bipartisan group of legislators worked with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to redesign the program, create a more equitable reimbursement process, and ensure more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
“The Department is pleased that the federal government has approved this plan, which will mean that dollars follow services for Medicaid patients more closely,” said Teresa Hursey, Interim Director of HFS. “The new program reflects the reality that healthcare delivery has changed dramatically over the last ten years, and it draws down as much federal revenue as we believe is permissible.”
Prior to the new program, the state used old data sets, which were sometimes based on care that was provided as far back as 2005, to reimburse hospitals for Medicaid services. The new model applies updated data and also ensures that more of the reimbursements are based on actual services hospitals provide.
It also dedicates more than $260 million to help hospitals transform their operations to better serve their communities, such as offering more urgent and outpatient care.
Supreme Court expected to rule this week in forced union fees case
June 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Millions of workers across the country could have the right to work for their government without having to pay fees to a union with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this week on the Illinois case Janus vs. AFSCME.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
